Anne Thomson from Unst in the Shetland Islands has described the “amazing” support she received from the neonatal team in Aberdeen after her baby boy was born two months prematurely.

Anne described her experience in a video presented to NHS Shetland board members on Tuesday as part of a patient experience session. The proud mum described how her son, Andy, had a challenging entry to the world.

When Ann and her husband Drew arrived at the Aberdeen hospital, their son’s heartbeat was dropping. They were then told to be “prepared” and that their son would be “safer outside [the womb] than in.”

Following an emergency C-section, baby Andy was born, very premature and was rushed to intensive care.  

Ann said that the support and care Andy and she received from the neonatal team during that challenging time was “amazing.” Ann and her husband were able to spend time with their son in a family room designed to allow parents to sleep next to their newborn baby. The family were cared for by a group of six professionals.

Ann and her family were soon able to return to Shetland to enjoy life together as a family. Andy is now three years old. His mum has said that he is a healthy and cheerful little boy.  

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “We are thrilled that this family are now enjoying life together despite such a challenging start in life.

“Human life is precious. When given the right support and care life can find a way to thrive.”

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